Code of ethics and professional conduct

The parliamentary caucus is reserved solely for MNAs who have been elected under the ÉA banner.

Whenever a vote is held in the National Assembly, the party and its members shall not impose a restrictive party line that requires adherence by all members, with exception being made for compliance with the party’s Code of ethics and professional conduct, mission, goals, values, and statutory regulations.

If a party member, whether elected or not, represents the ÉA and incurs routine expenses in discharging party duties, he or she shall use the ways and means personally deemed to be the most reasonable ones possible, in compliance with a party representative’s obligations and priorities.

For any expense that may exceed $2,000 in a given year, the party shall put out a call for tenders that requires a minimum of three bids from outside companies and shall retain the bid that is closest to the median, while remaining compliant with existing laws.

If an MNA or official party representative faces a criminal charge, he or she will immediately be temporarily suspended from all ÉA duties and responsibilities but may nevertheless retain that ÉA position until a judgment has been rendered. While awaiting judgment, he or she may resume duties only by obtaining consent from the members of his or her constituency to stay in office and continue to serve with ÉA.

If an MNA violates the code of ethics and professional conduct of the party, he or she must obtain consent from the following three entities to stay in office:

1 - the parliamentary wing of the party;
2 – the leader of the party;
3 - the Ethics Committee.
Each of these three entities has a single vote and the majority will decide whether there will be dismissal.

If a member wishes to be elected in a constituency, he or she will have to submit to an investigation by the party to verify his or her capabilities and uprightness.

If a candidate wishes to run in a constituency, he or she must first be approved by the candidate selection committee. In addition, a nomination process is mandatory in any constituency with more than 250 members.

Anyone who represents the party, whether elected or not, shall respect all laws and behave ethically and responsibly.

An MNA must above all defend the interests and needs of his or her constituency.

If an ÉA canvasser is not an MNA or a paid political or administrative staff member who directly solicits or helps solicit donations of over $10,000 in a year, he or she must abide by the laws for lobbyists.

All ÉA members have the right to speak at workshops, plenary forums, conventions and general councils of the party.

If an ÉA member becomes aware of a breach of the ÉA’s code of ethics and professional conduct, he or she has a duty to ask the Ethics Committee for a thorough investigation.

Any member who harms the party or who breaches Article 60 of its statutory regulations may lose his or her membership privileges.